Egypt to produce Russia covid vaccine

Egyptian pharmaceutical firm Minapharm has agreed to produce more than 40 million doses a year of Russia’s Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine, Reuters reported the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), which markets the vaccine abroad, saying today.

The two parties agreed to begin technology transfer immediately, it said in a joint statement with Minapharm, and the rollout is expected in the third quarter of this year.

“RDIF and Minapharm will initially supply over 40 million doses per year. Production will take place in Minapharm’s biotech facility in Cairo for global distribution,” the statement said.

Egypt’s Health Ministry yesterday confirmed 861 new coronavirus cases, up from 855 on Tuesday. The ministry also announced 46 deaths and 435 recovered cases.

The country has now reported a total of 218,902 confirmed cases, 12,866 deaths, and 164,803 recovered cases.

A third wave of the virus is expected to hit the north African state in the coming weeks.

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